Development of a low-cost vertical patternator, part II

Development of a low-cost vertical patternator, part II

Summary

Three patternators developed in FNE10-689 produced differences in the spray patterns depending on the model tested. Another patternator design will be tested and compared with the models built in the previous project. This patternator design will require image analysis software for the results to be expressed quantitatively. The new patternator design might help determine which of the previous designs is better or if the new design actually better represents the spray pattern. The new design can be used with any type of sprayer, not just airblast like the previous designs.

The patternator design tested in the current project is based on the use of paper as a medium to detect the output of a sprayer. The use of photographic paper has been suggested for use in determining spray patterns. Numerous types of paper were tested using a spray bottle to test for droplet spread. The paper used for spray detection should have a minimum of droplet spread. As the amount of droplet spread increases, it will appear the amount of spray coverage is also increasing. This will lead to false readings as to the amount of spray coverage. Photographic papers did perform well in the initial tests.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Accomplishments/Milestones

The Berthoud sprayer was adjusted visually on the left side for maximum performance. Four replicates of each test were run for statistical analysis. The total output of the sprayer for one minute on the left side was measured. The modified Cornell patternator and SARE patternator from the 2010 project were each tested four times for one minute to obtain their spray retention pattern and data for statistical analysis. A total of five different photographic papers were tested along a standard water sensitive paper for comparison. Two different sizes of paper cards were tested and two different dyes were also tested with the various photographic papers and the water sensitive paper. All spraying has been completed. A scanning program has been completed and the cards have been scanned.

In August 2012 a field day was held at our farm to show the use of the patternators developed in 2010 and the paper patternators developed this year.

The image analysis software to read and interpret the scans for statistical analysis must be completed, along with the statistical analysis of the data. Additional outreach will be done in the Spring of 2013. All data and results generated by the project will be added to the website www.patternator.com that was developed for the 2010 project.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Collaborators: